Geoscientists�? perceptions of the value of undergraduate field education

[摘要] Learning in “the field” has long held a prominent role in theeducation of geoscientists. Despite the expense, time, and liability risks associatedwith fieldwork, field experiences are widely perceived as integral to both learningand professional preparation. Yet, to date, little research has addressed questionsof what types of field experiences are valuable and what outcomes are desired. Wereport findings from survey data collected at the 2010 and 2011 Geological Societyof America Annual Meetings that characterize why undergraduate field education isvalued within the geoscience community. While 89.5% of respondents (n = 172) indicated that fieldwork should be an integral and required part of undergraduateeducation, only 36.5% agreed that a course in bedrock mapping was necessary. Fieldworkis valued mainly for perceived cognitive gains, such as knowledge and understanding,and for enabling learners to interact with geological phenomena in their naturalstate. We found few statistically significant differences between self-identifiedgroups, suggesting that students, instructors, and professional geologists holdlargely similar opinions about the value of field education. This study helps toidentify long-term goals and outcomes of undergraduate educational fieldwork experiencesand points to actions needed to align fieldwork experiences with educational goals,workforce needs, and actual learning outcomes.

[学科分类] 地质学

[关键词] Fire safety;fatal fires;smoke alarms